INOCULATION SYSTEMS FOR BEE HIVES AND RELATED METHODS

SYSTEMES D'INOCULATION POUR RUCHES D'ABEILLES ET PROCEDES ASSOCIES

English Abstract

An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening includes (a) a body mountable to the hive intermediate the hive opening and an outside environment external the hive, (b) a bee pathway in the body for providing passage between the hive opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive, (c) a removable cartridge installed in the body and having a cartridge chamber storing an inoculum, and (d) an automatic inoculum dispenser in the body. The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense the inoculum from the cartridge chamber into the bee pathway to dust bees passing through the bee pathway with the inoculum.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'inoculation pour une ruche d'abeilles comportant une ouverture de ruche comprenant (a) un corps pouvant être monté sur la ruche entre l'ouverture de ruche et un environnement extérieur à l'extérieur de la ruche, (b) une voie d'accès pour abeilles ménagée dans le corps de façon à établir une voie d'accès entre l'ouverture de ruche et l'environnement extérieur lorsque le corps est monté sur la ruche, (c) une cartouche amovible installée dans le corps et comportant une chambre de cartouche contenant un inoculum, et (d) un distributeur d'inoculum automatique dans le corps. Le distributeur peut servir à distribuer de manière commandée l'inoculum de la chambre de cartouche dans la voie d'accès pour abeilles de façon à poudrer les abeilles traversant la voie d'accès pour abeilles au moyen de l'inoculum.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening, comprising:
(a) a body mountable to the bee hive intermediate the hive opening and an
outside environment external the hive;
(b) a bee exit pathway in the body for providing passage for bees between
the
hive opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive,
the bee
exit pathway serving as a hive exit and defined by a floor and a ceiling above
the floor,
and the bee exit pathway having an exit pathway width extending between
opposed
sidewalls;
(c) a bee entrance pathway in the body for providing passage for bees
between
the outside environment and the hive opening, the bee entrance pathway above
and
separate from the bee exit pathway, and the bee entrance pathway serving as a
hive
entrance;
(d) an inoculum reservoir in the body above the bee exit pathway and below
the bee entrance pathway for storing powdered inoculum, the reservoir having a
reservoir
outlet in the ceiling of the bee exit pathway;
(e) an inoculum dispenser mounted in the body, the dispenser operable to
controllably drop the inoculum into the bee exit pathway to dust bees passing
through the
bee exit pathway with the inoculum, the dispenser including a dispensing
element
adjacent the reservoir outlet and an electric motor coupled to the dispensing
element for
driving movement of the dispensing element when the electric motor is
energized, the
dispensing element inhibiting dropping of the inoculum from the reservoir
outlet when at
rest, and the dispensing element conveying the inoculum from the reservoir
outlet and
dropping the inoculum on the floor in a generally uniform distribution across
the exit
pathway width when being driven by the motor; and
(f) a controller for controlling operation of the dispenser, the controller

configured to:
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monitor a plurality of environmental states based on sensor data from
a plurality of sensors;
(ii) in response to the environmental states satisfying
predefined
dispensing requirements for periodically dispensing inoculum:
- energize the motor at predefined time intervals to periodically drop
an amount of inoculum into the bee exit pathway, the amount of
inoculum and the time intervals defined by operating parameters for
the dispenser,
- evaluate whether the environmental states satisfy an adjustment
threshold, and
- in response to the environmental states satisfying the adjustment
threshold: adjust at least one of (A) the time intervals and (B) the
amount of inoculum, by modifying the operating parameters to
correspond to target parameters associated with the environmental
states; and
(iii) in response to the environmental states not satisfying the
predefined
dispensing requirements, stop dispensing of the inoculum at least until the
dispensing
requirements are satisfied.
2. The inoculation system of claim 1, wherein the time intervals are
between 30
seconds and 5 minutes.
3. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the time
intervals are
adjustable by the controller to dispense inoculum more frequently.
4. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the
plurality of
environmental states comprises weather conditions around the hive, and at
least one of:
(1) the dispensing requirements and (2) the adjustment threshold, is based on
the
weather conditions.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-04

5. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
plurality of
environmental states comprises temperature external the hive, and at least one
of: (1) the
dispensing requirements and (2) the adjustment threshold, is based on the
temperature
external the hive.
6. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the
plurality of
environmental states comprises humidity external the hive, and at least one
of: (1) the
dispensing requirements and (2) the adjustment threshold, is based on the
humidity
external the hive.
7. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the
plurality of
environmental states comprises daylight, and at least one of: (1) the
dispensing
requirements and (2) the adjustment threshold, is based on daylight.
8. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
plurality of
environmental states comprises time of day, and at least one of: (1) the
dispensing
requirements and (2) the adjustment threshold, is based on the time of day.
9. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body
includes a
landing board at an elevation above the bee exit pathway and in communication
with the
bee entrance pathway for attracting bees to enter the hive via the bee
entrance pathway.
10. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the
reservoir has a top
end vertically opposite the reservoir outlet, and the body includes a lid
covering the top
end of the reservoir, the lid defining at least a portion of the bee entrance
pathway and
movable for opening the top end of the reservoir to load inoculum therein.
11. The inoculation system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of
the reservoir
outlet and the dispensing element extends over at least 75% of the exit
pathway width.
12. An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening, comprising:
(a) a body mountable to the bee hive intermediate the hive opening and
an
outside environment external the hive;
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(b) a bee exit pathway in the body for providing passage for bees between
the
hive opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive,
the bee
exit pathway serving as a hive exit and defined by a pathway floor;
(c) an inoculum reservoir in the body for storing powdered inoculum, the
reservoir having a reservoir outlet above the bee exit pathway;
(d) an inoculum dispenser mounted in the body, the dispenser operable to
controllably drop the inoculum into the bee exit pathway to dust bees passing
through the
bee exit pathway with the inoculum, the dispenser including a dispensing
element
adjacent the reservoir outlet and an electric motor coupled to the dispensing
element for
driving movement of the dispensing element when energized, the dispensing
element
blocking dropping of the inoculum from the reservoir outlet when at rest, and
the
dispensing element conveying the inoculum away from the reservoir outlet and
dropping
the inoculum across the pathway floor when being driven by the motor; and
(e) a controller for controlling operation of the motor according to one or
more
operating parameters, the controller operable to:
(i) receive sensor data representative of at least a plurality of
environmental states external the hive;
(ii) determine whether the sensor data satisfies a modification condition
corresponding to a change in the environmental states;
(iii) in response to determining that the sensor data does not satisfy the
modification condition, continue controlling operation of the motor according
to the one or
more operating parameters, the one or more operating parameters defining an
initial rate
at which to drop the inoculum into the bee exit pathway; and
(iv) in response to determining that the sensor data satisfies the
modification condition, determine an adjusted rate at which to drop the
inoculum into the
bee exit pathway based on the sensor data, and control operation of the motor
according
to one or more adjusted operating parameters defining the adjusted rate, the
adjusted
rate different from the initial rate,
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wherein the system further comprises a bee entrance pathway in the body for
providing passage for bees between the outside environment and the hive
opening, the
bee entrance pathway above and separate from the bee exit pathway, wherein the
bee
entrance pathway serves as a hive entrance and the bee exit pathway serves as
a hive
exit, and wherein the reservoir is vertically intermediate the bee exit
pathway and the bee
entrance pathway.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the initial rate is defined by a first
time interval for
operating the dispenser to periodically dispense the inoculum into the bee
exit pathway,
and the adjusted rate is defined by a second time interval for operating the
dispenser, the
second time interval different from the first time interval.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the initial rate is defined by a first
amount of the
inoculum for the dispenser to dispense, and the adjusted rate is defined by a
second
amount of the inoculum for the dispenser to dispense, the second amount
different from
the first amount.
15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a
plurality of
environment sensors for sensing the plurality of environmental states external
the hive
and generating the sensor data.
16. The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a power
supply unit
for supplying power to the system, the power supply unit including a power
storage unit
and a solar power generator for charging the power storage unit.
17. The system of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the plurality of
environmental
states comprises at least one of: (i) temperature; and (ii) daylight.
18. The system of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the plurality of
environmental
states comprises at least temperature and daylight.
19. The system of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein each of the reservoir
outlet and
the dispensing element extends across at least 75% of a width of the bee exit
pathway.
20. An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening, comprising:
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(a) a body mountable to the bee hive intermediate the hive opening and an
outside
environment external the hive;
(b) a first bee pathway in the body for providing passage for bees between
the hive
opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive, the
first bee
pathway serving as a hive exit and defined by a pathway floor and a pathway
ceiling
above the pathway floor;
(c) a second bee pathway in the body for providing passage for bees between
the
outside environment and the hive opening, the second bee pathway above and
separate
from the first bee pathway, and the second bee pathway serving as a hive
entrance;
(d) an inoculum reservoir in the body vertically intermediate the first bee
pathway
and the second bee pathway for storing powdered inoculum, the reservoir having
a
reservoir outlet in the pathway ceiling, the reservoir outlet extending across
at least 75%
of a width of the first bee pathway;
(e) an inoculum dispenser mounted in the body, the dispenser operable to
controllably drop the inoculum into the first bee pathway to dust bees passing
through the
first bee pathway with the inoculum, the dispenser including a dispensing
element
adjacent the reservoir outlet and an electric motor coupled to the dispensing
element for
driving movement of the dispensing element when energized, the dispensing
element
blocking dropping of the inoculum from the reservoir outlet when at rest, and
the
dispensing element conveying the inoculum away from the reservoir outlet and
dropping
the inoculum across the pathway floor when being driven by the motor; and
(f) a controller for controlling operation of the motor to periodically
drive movement
of the dispensing element to drop the inoculum into the first bee pathway, the
controller
operable to:
(i) receive sensor data representative of a plurality of environmental
states
external the hive;
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(ii) determine, based on the sensor data, whether the plurality of
environmental
states satisfy corresponding environmental requirements for dropping the
inoculum into
the first bee pathway;
(iii) in response to determining that the environmental requirements are
satisfied, enable periodic energization of the motor for driving movement of
the dispensing
element to periodically drop the inoculum into the first bee pathway; and
(iv) in response to determining that the environmental requirements are not

satisfied, disable periodic energization of the motor to leave the dispensing
element at
rest for blocking dropping of the inoculum into the first bee pathway at least
until the
environmental requirements are satisfied.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-04

Description

TITLE: INOCULATION SYSTEMS FOR BEE HIVES AND RELATED METHODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional
Application No.
62/429,357, filed on December 02, 2016.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to bee hives. Specifically, this
disclosure relates to
automated inoculation systems for bee hives, and methods of operating and
controlling
operation of such systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,069,702 (Reed) discloses an apparatus for coating
honey
bees with pollen for improving pollination of plant blossom by said honey
bees. The
apparatus includes an automatic feeder device which automatically deposits
pollen at
the required rate into a trough through which honey bees walk as they leave a
beehive.
[0004] U.K. Pat. No. 1,470,385 (Legge) discloses a dispenser, suitable
for
applying a coating substance, e.g. pollen or antibiotic compound to bees
emerging from
a hive, comprising an inverted bottle, containing the coating substance and
mounted
above a channelled shoot in a hopper, at the base of which is a horizontal
roller with a
surface array of conical depressions. Removal of a seal by a manual slide
results in the
coating substance being released into the hopper and distributed in a fine
curtain from
the rotating roller.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 9,357,752 (Collinson et. al.) discloses a tray for
positioning
in an exit path of a bee hive including a base, a bee entrance end, and a bee
exit end.
Spaced apart side walls extend upwardly from the base. The sidewalls extend
generally
lengthwise between the bee entrance end and bee exit end. A plurality of posts
extend
upwardly from the base and are positioned between the bee entrance end and the
bee
exit end. The posts are generally circular in cross-section. The posts act as
obstacles
around which the bees must walk to reach the bee exit end from the bee
entrance end.
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SUMMARY
[0006] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various

aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define or delimit any
invention.
[0007] According to some aspects, an inoculation system for a bee hive
having a
hive opening includes (a) a body mountable to the hive intermediate the hive
opening
and an outside environment external the hive; (b) a first bee pathway in the
body for
providing passage for bees between the hive opening and the outside
environment
when the body is mounted to the hive; (c) a removable cartridge installed in
the body
and having a cartridge chamber storing an inoculum; and (d) an automatic
inoculum
dispenser in the body. The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense the
inoculum
from the cartridge chamber into the first bee pathway to dust bees passing
through the
first bee pathway with the inoculum.
[0008] In some examples, an inoculum passage extends between a passage
first
end open to the cartridge chamber and a passage second end open to the first
bee
pathway, and the dispenser is operable to control flow of the inoculum from
the
cartridge chamber and through the inoculum passage.
[0009] In some examples, the dispenser includes a movable dispensing
element
within the inoculum passage intermediate the passage first and second ends.
The
dispensing element blocks the inoculum passage and is movable between at least
one
first position for receiving inoculum from the cartridge chamber and at least
one second
position for depositing the received inoculum into the first bee pathway.
[0010] In some examples, the cartridge chamber is sized to store a chamber
volume of the inoculum, and the inoculum passage comprises a reservoir volume
intermediate the cartridge chamber and the dispensing element. The reservoir
volume is
less than the chamber volume.
[0011] In some examples, the body includes a receptacle in which the
cartridge is
received. The receptacle has a receptacle opening through which the cartridge
is
slidable horizontally into and out from the receptacle for installation and
removal of the
cartridge when the body is mounted to the hive.
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[0012] In some examples, the body includes a frame mountable to the hive
and
an inoculum housing mountable to the frame. The inoculum housing includes the
receptacle, and the inoculum housing is reconfigurably mountable to the frame
in a left-
side configuration, in which the receptacle opening is accessible from a left
side of the
body to permit installation and removal of the cartridge from the left side of
the body
when the body is mounted to the hive, and a right-side configuration, in which
the
receptacle opening is accessible from a right side of the body opposite the
left side to
permit installation and removal of the cartridge from the right side of the
body when the
body is mounted to the hive.
[0013] In some examples, the housing includes a receptacle in which the
cartridge is received, and a lid movable between an open position for
providing access
to the receptacle to install and remove the cartridge, and a closed position
for covering
the receptacle and the cartridge.
[0014] In some examples, the first bee pathway is defined by a first
pathway
floor, a first pathway ceiling above the first pathway floor, and a pair of
spaced apart first
pathway sidewalls extending between the first pathway floor and ceiling, and
wherein
the dispenser is operable to dispense the inoculum onto a target area of the
first
pathway floor. The pathway sidewalls are spaced apart by a first pathway width
at the
target area. The cartridge extends over at least 75% of the pathway width.
[0015] In some examples, the system further includes a second bee pathway
in
the body for providing passage for bees between the outside environment and
the hive
opening. The second bee pathway is above and separate from the first bee
pathway.
When the body is mounted to the hive, the first bee pathway serves as a hive
exit and
the second bee pathway serves as a hive entrance. In some examples, the
dispenser is
vertically intermediate the first bee pathway and the second bee pathway.
[0016] According to some aspects, a kit for assembling an inoculation
system for
a bee hive having a hive opening includes: (a) a body mountable to the hive
intermediate the hive opening and an outside environment external the hive;
(b) a
removable cartridge for installation in the body, the cartridge storing an
inoculum; and
(c) an automatic inoculum dispenser operable to controllably dispense the
inoculum
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from the cartridge into a bee pathway in the body to dust bees passing through
the bee
pathway with the inoculum when the cartridge is installed in the body.
[0017] In some examples, the cartridge includes an internal cartridge
chamber
storing the inoculum, and a releasable seal layer sealing the cartridge
chamber to
prevent release of the inoculum prior to installation of the cartridge. In
some examples,
the housing includes a receptacle in communication with the dispenser for
receiving the
cartridge, and a seal release member in the body for engagement with the seal
layer
during insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle to release the seal
layer for providing
the inoculum from the cartridge chamber to the dispenser.
[0018] According to some aspects, an adjustable inoculation system is
disclosed
for installation in either one of a first bee hive having a first hive opening
of a first
opening width and a second bee hive having a second hive opening of a second
opening width different from the first opening width. The system includes (a)
a body
including a frame and a pair of adjustable installation posts mounted to and
protruding
from a rear side of the frame. The posts are spaced laterally apart from one
another by
a lateral post spacing. The post spacing is adjustable for accommodating
insertion of
the installation posts into either one of the first hive opening and the
second hive
opening to mount the body to a respective one of the first bee hive and the
second bee
hive. The system further includes (b) a bee pathway in the body laterally
intermediate
the first and second installation posts for providing passage for bees between
an
outside environment and a respective one of the first hive opening and the
second hive
opening when the body is mounted to the one of the first bee hive and the
second bee
hive; and (c) an inoculum dispenser mounted in the body. The dispenser is
operable to
dispense an inoculum into the bee pathway to dust bees passing through the bee

pathway with the inoculum.
[0019] In some examples, the frame includes a left-side frame portion
supporting
a left one of the installation posts and a right-side frame portion adjustably
coupled to
the left-side frame portion and supporting a right one of the installation
posts. The left-
side and right-side portions are laterally slidable relative to one another
for adjusting the
lateral post spacing.
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[0020] In some examples, the system further includes a first mount
attached to
the rear side of the frame above the posts, and a second mount attachable to
an
exterior of either one of the first bee hive and the second bee hive. The
second mount is
engageable with the first mount when the second mount is attached, to
removably
mount the body to the one of the first bee hive and the second bee hive. In
some
examples, the first mount includes a hook and the second mount includes a
catch for
holding the hook when the catch is attached to the one of the first bee hive
and the
second bee hive.
[0021] According to some aspects, a reconfigurable inoculation system for
a bee
hive having a hive opening includes: (a) a body mountable to the hive
intermediate the
hive opening and an outside environment external the hive; (b) a first bee
pathway in
the body for providing passage for bees between the hive opening and the
outside
environment when the body is mounted to the hive; and (c) an automatic
inoculum
dispenser mounted in the body. The dispenser is operable to controllably
dispense an
inoculum into the first bee pathway to dust bees passing through the first bee
pathway
with the inoculum. The system further includes (d) a second bee pathway in the
body
and separate from the first bee pathway, the second bee pathway extending at
least
partially between the outside environment and the hive opening when the body
is
mounted to the hive; and (e) a blocking member movable between a blocked
configuration in which the blocking member obstructs the second bee pathway
for
blocking passage of bees through the second bee pathway, and an unblocked
configuration in which the blocking member is clear of the second bee pathway
for
permitting passage of bees through the second bee pathway. When the blocking
member is in the unblocked configuration, the second bee pathway serves as a
hive
entrance for the hive and the first bee pathway serves as a hive exit for the
hive to
facilitate inoculation of bees exiting the hive. When the blocking member is
in the
blocked configuration, the first bee pathway serves as both the hive exit and
the hive
entrance for the hive to facilitate inoculation of bees entering the hive.
[0022] According to some aspects, a method of inoculating bees passing
through
an inoculation system mounted to a bee hive includes: (a) dispensing a first
inoculum
into a first bee pathway in the system to dust bees exiting the hive via the
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pathway with the first inoculum. The system includes a second bee pathway
separate
from the first bee pathway. The second bee pathway serves as a hive entrance
during
step (a). The method further includes (b) blocking the second bee pathway to
obstruct
passage through the second bee pathway and compel bees to use the first bee
pathway
to enter the hive; and (c) when the second bee pathway is blocked, dispensing
a
second inoculum into the first bee pathway to inoculate bees entering the hive
via the
first bee pathway with the second inoculum. The second inoculum is different
from the
first inoculum. In some examples, the first inoculum includes a plant
treatment agent,
and the second inoculum includes a bee treatment agent.
[0023] According to some aspects, an inoculation system for a bee hive
having a
hive opening includes: (a) a body mountable to the hive intermediate the hive
opening
and an outside environment external the hive; (b) a bee pathway in the body
for
providing passage for bees between the hive opening and the outside
environment
when the body is mounted to the hive; (c) an inoculum dispenser operable to
controllably dispense inoculum into the bee pathway to dust bees passing
through the
bee pathway with the inoculum; and (d) a removable cartridge for installation
in the
body. The cartridge includes an internal cartridge chamber storing inoculum
for
providing to the dispenser, and a releasable seal layer sealing the cartridge
chamber to
prevent release of the inoculum prior to installation of the cartridge. The
system further
includes (e) a receptacle in the body and in communication with the dispenser
for
receiving the cartridge; and (f) a seal release member in the body for
engagement with
the seal layer during insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle to
release the seal
layer for providing the inoculum from the cartridge chamber to the dispenser.
[0024] According to some aspects, an inoculation system for a bee hive
having a
hive opening includes: (a) a body mountable to the bee hive intermediate the
hive
opening and an outside environment external the hive; (b) a bee pathway in the
body for
providing passage for bees between the hive opening and an outside environment
when
the body is mounted to the hive; and (c) an inoculum dispenser mounted in the
body.
The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense inoculum into the bee
pathway to
dust bees passing through the bee pathway with the inoculum. The system
further
includes (d) a controller for controlling operation of the dispenser according
to one or
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more operating parameters. The controller is operable to detect a modification
event
and to modify the one or more operating parameters in response to detecting
the
modification event.
[0025] In some examples, the controller is operable to detect the
modification
event by: receiving at least one environment signal representative of one or
more
environmental states, and determining that a modification condition is
satisfied based on
the one or more environmental states. In some examples, the controller is
operable to,
in response to determining that the modification condition is satisfied,
modify the one or
more operating parameters to correspond to target parameters associated with
the
environmental states.
[0026] In some examples, the operating parameters include one of an on
state of
the dispenser and an off state of the dispenser, and the target parameters
include the
other one of the on state and the off state.
[0027] In some examples, the operating parameters include a first rate at
which
to operate the dispenser, and the target parameters include a second rate at
which to
operate the dispenser. The second rate is different from the first rate.
[0028] In some examples, the operating parameters include a first time
interval
for operating the dispenser to periodically dispense the inoculum into the bee
pathway,
and the target parameters include a second time interval for operating the
dispenser.
The second time interval is different from the first time interval.
[0029] In some examples, the operating parameters include a first amount
of
inoculum for the dispenser to dispense, and the target parameters include a
second
amount of inoculum for the dispenser to dispense. The second amount is
different from
the first amount.
[0030] In some examples, the system includes at least one environment
sensor
for sensing the environmental states and generating the at least one
environment
signal.
[0031] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes a
time-of-
day signal representative of a time of day, and the controller is operable to
determine
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whether the modification condition is satisfied based on the time of day. In
some
examples, the system includes a clock for monitoring the time of day and
generating the
time-of-day signal.
[0032] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one daylight intensity signal representative of an intensity of daylight of
the outside
environment, and the controller is operable to determine whether the
modification
condition is satisfied based on the intensity of daylight. In some examples,
the system
further includes at least one daylight sensor for measuring the intensity of
daylight and
generating the daylight intensity signal.
[0033] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one temperature signal representative of a temperature of at least one of the
outside
environment, the bee pathway, and an interior of the bee hive, and the
controller is
operable to determine whether the modification condition is satisfied based on
the
temperature. In some examples, the system includes at least one temperature
sensor
for measuring the temperature and generating the temperature signal.
[0034] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one humidity signal representative of a humidity of the outside environment,
and the
controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied based
on the humidity. In some examples, the system further includes at least one
humidity
sensor for measuring the humidity and generating the humidity signal.
[0035] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one precipitation signal representative of a precipitation characteristic in
the outside
environment, and the controller is operable to determine whether the
modification
condition is satisfied based on the precipitation characteristic. In some
examples, the
system includes a precipitation sensor for measuring the precipitation
characteristic and
generating the precipitation signal.
[0036] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one remaining inoculum signal representative of a remaining amount of inoculum
in the
bee pathway, and the controller is operable to determine whether the
modification
condition is satisfied based on the remaining amount of inoculum. In some
examples,
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the system further includes a remaining inoculum sensor for measuring the
remaining
inoculum in the bee pathway and generating the remaining inoculum signal.
[0037] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one motion signal representative of a motion of bees in the bee pathway, and
the
controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied based
on the motion of bees. In some examples, the system includes a motion sensor
for
detecting the motion of bees in the bee pathway and generating the motion
signal.
[0038] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one bee rate signal representative of a rate of bees passing through the bee
pathway,
and the controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition
is
satisfied based on the rate of bees. In some examples, the system includes a
bee rate
sensor for measuring the rate of bees passing through the bee pathway and
generating
the bee rate signal.
[0039] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one cartridge installation signal representative of installation of an
inoculum cartridge in
the body for providing the inoculum to the dispenser, and the controller is
operable to
determine whether the modification condition is satisfied based on whether the
cartridge
is installed. In some examples, the system includes a cartridge installation
sensor for
detecting installation of the cartridge and generating the cartridge
installation signal.
[0040] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes at
least
one cartridge characteristic signal representative of a cartridge
characteristic of a
cartridge installed in the body for providing the inoculum to the dispenser,
and the
controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied based
on the cartridge characteristic. In some examples, the system further includes
a
cartridge characteristic sensor for sensing the cartridge characteristic and
generating
the cartridge characteristic signal.
[0041] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes a
hive
size signal representative of a size of the bee hive, and the controller is
operable to
determine whether the modification condition is satisfied based on the hive
size.
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[0042] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes a
bee
quantity signal representative of a quantity of bees expected to inhabit the
hive, and the
controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied based
on the quantity of bees.
[0043] In some examples, the at least one environment signal includes a
bee
type signal representative of a type of bee expected to inhabit the bee hive,
and the
controller is operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied based
on the bee type.
[0044] In some examples, the system includes a communication unit operable
to
communicate with the controller, and the modification event includes receipt
by the
controller of a modification command from the communication unit. The
modification
command includes a modification to the operating parameters. In some examples,
the
communication unit includes a wireless communication unit.
[0045] In some examples, the system includes a positioning unit operable
to
determine a location of the bee hive.
[0046] In some examples, the system includes a power supply unit for
supplying
power to the system. The power supply unit includes a power storage unit and a
solar
power generator for charging the power storage unit.
[0047] According to some aspects, a method of controlling operation of an
inoculation system for a bee hive includes (a) providing an inoculum to an
automatic
inoculum dispenser in a body of the system. The body is mounted to the hive
and
includes a bee pathway providing passage for bees between a hive opening of
the hive
and an outside environment external the hive. The method further includes (b)
controlling operation of the dispenser according to one or more operating
parameters to
dispense the inoculum into the bee pathway for dusting bees passing through
the bee
pathway with the inoculum; (c) modifying the one or more operating parameters
in
response to detecting a modification event; and (d) controlling the operation
of the
dispenser according to one or more modified operating parameters.

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[0048] In some examples, detecting the modification event includes:
receiving at
least one environment signal representative of one or more environmental
states, and
determining that a modification condition is satisfied based on the one or
more
environmental states. In some examples, step (c) includes modifying the
operating
parameters to correspond to target parameters associated with the
environmental
states.
[0049] In some examples, the modification event includes receiving a
modification command from a communication unit. The modification command
includes
a modification to the operating parameters.
[0050] According to some aspects, an inoculation system for a bee yard
including
a first hive having a first hive opening and a second hive having a second
hive opening
includes: (a) a first body mountable to the first hive intermediate the first
hive opening
and an outside environment external the first and second hives; (b) a first
hive bee
pathway in the first body for providing passage for bees between the first
hive opening
of the first hive and the outside environment when the first body is mounted
to the first
hive; and (c) a first inoculum dispenser mounted in the first body. The first
inoculum
dispenser is operable to controllably dispense a first inoculum into the first
hive bee
pathway to dust bees passing through the first hive bee pathway with the first
inoculum.
The system further includes (d) a second body mountable to the second hive
intermediate the second hive opening and the outside environment; (e) a second
hive
bee pathway in the second body for providing passage for bees between the
second
hive opening and the outside environment when the second body is mounted to
the
second hive; and (f) a second inoculum dispenser mounted in the second body.
The
second inoculum dispenser is operable to controllably dispense a second
inoculum into
the second hive bee pathway to dust bees passing through the second hive bee
pathway with the second inoculum. The system further includes (g) a central
controller
for controlling operation of the first inoculum dispenser according to a first
set of
operating parameters and the second inoculum dispenser according to a second
set of
operating parameters.
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[0051] In
some examples, the controller is operable to detect a first
modification event and to modify the first set of operating parameters in
response to
detecting the first modification event. In some examples, the controller is
operable to
detect a second modification event and to modify the second set of operating
parameters in response to detecting the second modification event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The
drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of
systems, apparatuses, and method of the present specification and are not
intended to
limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:
[0053]
Figure 1A is a perspective view of an example inoculation system for a
bee hive, showing the system with an installed inoculum cartridge and in an
unblocked
configuration;
[0054]
Figure 1B is a perspective view like that of Figure 1A, but showing the
system in a blocked configuration;
[0055]
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of portions of the system of
Figure 1A;
[0056]
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic of the system of Figure 1A taken
along line 3-3 of Figure 1A;
[0057]
Figure 4A is a cross-sectional schematic of the system of Figure 1A taken
along line 4-4 of Figure 1A, showing an inoculum housing of the system in a
left-side
configuration;
[0058]
Figure 4B is a cross-sectional schematic like that of Figure 4A, but
showing the inoculum housing in a right-side configuration;
[0059]
Figure 5 is a perspective view of portions of the inoculum cartridge of
Figure 1A, with portions of a top wall of the cartridge removed;
[0060]
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic of the cartridge of Figure 1A prior
to installation, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1A;
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[0061] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic of the cartridge of Figure
1A prior
to installation, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1A;
[0062] Figure 8 is a top view of portions of the inoculum housing of the
system of
Figure 1A, with a top wall of the inoculum housing removed;
[0063] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic of the inoculum housing of
Figure
1A, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1A;
[0064] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic of the inoculum housing of
Figure
1A, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1A;
[0065] Figure 11 is a simplified schematic diagram of control components
of the
system of Figure 1A;
[0066] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
operating the
system of Figure 1A;
[0067] Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
inoculating
bees using the system of Figure 1A;
[0068] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional schematic of another example
inoculation
system;
[0069] Figure 15 is a schematic front perspective view of a frame portion
of the
system of Figure 14;
[0070] Figure 16 is a schematic rear perspective view of the frame portion
of
Figure 15;
[0071] Figure 17A is a schematic front view of portions of a first bee
hive;
[0072] Figure 17B is a schematic front view of portions of a second bee
hive;
[0073] Figure 18 is a schematic front perspective view of a housing
portion for an
inoculation system like that of Figure 1;
[0074] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional schematic of another example
inoculation
system, showing a cartridge of the system prior to insertion into a loader of
the system;
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[0075] Figure 19A is a cross-sectional schematic like that of Figure 19,
but with
the cartridge positioned in the loader, and with the loader shown in a loading
position;
[0076] Figure 196 is a cross-sectional schematic like that of Figure 19,
but with
the cartridge positioned in the loader, and with the loader shown in a
dispensing
position;
[0077] Figure 20 is a simplified schematic diagram of another example
inoculation system;
[0078] Figure 21 is a flow chart illustrated an example method of
controlling
operation of the system of Figure 20; and
[0079] Figure 22 is an example inoculation system for a bee yard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] Various apparatuses, systems, or methods will be described below to

provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No
embodiment
described below limits any claim and any claim may cover apparatuses, systems,
or
methods that differ from those described below. The claims are not limited to
apparatuses, systems, or methods having all of the features of any one
apparatus,
system, or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of
the
apparatuses, systems, and methods described below. It is possible that an
apparatus,
system, or method described below is not an embodiment of any claim. Any
subject
matter disclosed in an apparatus, system, or method described below that is
not
claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective
instrument, for
example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or
owners do not
intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any subject matter by
its disclosure
in this document.
[0081] Disclosed herein are examples of an inoculation system for a bee
hive.
The bee hive can include, for example, a honey bee hive. The system can be
mounted
to a bee hive, so that bees (e.g. honey bees) entering and/or exiting the hive
pass
through the system. As the bees pass through the system, they are dusted with
an
inoculum. The inoculum can be in the form of a powder, and can include any
substance
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for depositing onto a bee, for example for the benefit of the bee, the hive,
or plants
visited by the bee (i.e. the inoculum can be delivered to plants by the bees,
in a process
known as bee vectoring). For example, the inoculum can include a plant
treatment
agent (e.g. a fungus that is beneficial to plants, a pollen, or a fertilizer),
a bee treatment
agent, and/or a hive treatment agent (e.g. a miticide). The inoculum can be
contained in
a cartridge, and the system can automatically dispense the inoculum from the
cartridge
into a bee pathway of the system, so that bees entering and/or exiting the
hive via the
pathway are dusted with inoculum (either by walking through inoculum in the
pathway,
or by the inoculum being deposited directly on the bees). The inoculum can
then be
delivered to plants by the bees, delivered into the hive by the bees, and/or
treat bees
dusted with the inoculum. The cartridge can optionally be disposed of and
replaced with
a fresh cartridge as the inoculum is depleted from the cartridge. The system
can be
tuned so that the inoculum is deposited into the pathway slowly over time, for
example
at preset time intervals (e.g. of around 90 seconds), so that the bees are
dusted with an
effective amount of inoculum, but so that wastage of the inoculum is
minimized, and so
that the cartridge can be replaced relatively infrequently (e.g. after 2
weeks).
[0082] Referring to Figure 1A and 3, in the example illustrated, an
inoculation
system 100 for a bee hive 102 (Figure 3) having a hive opening 102a (Figure 3)
is
illustrated. The bee hive 102 can include, for example, a honey bee hive. The
system
100 includes a body 104 mountable to the hive 102 intermediate the hive
opening 102a
and an outside environment 114 (Figure 3) external the hive 102.
[0083] Referring to Figures 3 and 4A in the example illustrated, when the
body
104 is mounted to the hive 102, the body 104 has a rear side 104a directed
toward the
hive 102, a front side 104b opposite the rear side 104a and directed away from
the hive
102, spaced apart left and right sides 104c, 104d extending between the front
and rear
sides 104a, 104b, and spaced apart top and bottom ends 104e, 104f above and
below,
respectively, the front, rear, left, and right sides 104a-d. In the example
illustrated, the
body 104 has a vertical axis 106 extending between the top and bottom sides
104e,
104f of the body 104, a horizontal first axis 108 perpendicular to the
vertical axis 106
and extending between the rear and front sides 104a, 104b of the body 104, and
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horizontal second axis 110 perpendicular to the vertical and first axes 106,
108 and
extending between the left and right sides 104c, 104d of the body 104.
[0084] Referring to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, a first bee
pathway 112 is
provided in the body 104. In the example illustrated, the first bee pathway
112 extends
at least partially between the hive opening 102a and the outside environment.
The first
bee pathway 112 provides passage for bees between the hive opening 102a and
the
outside environment 114 when the body 104 is mounted to the hive 102. In the
example
illustrated, the first bee pathway 112 permits passage of bees through the
body 104 in
at least a first pathway direction 116 generally toward the front side 104b of
the body
104. The first pathway direction 116 is generally parallel to the horizontal
first axis 108
of the body 104 in the example illustrated. In the example illustrated and in
the
configuration of Figure 1A and 3, the first bee pathway 112 serves as a hive
exit.
[0085] In the example illustrated, the body 104 further includes a second
bee
pathway 118. The second bee pathway 118 extends at least partially between the
hive
opening 102a and the outside environment 114. In the example illustrated, the
second
bee pathway 118 is configurable to provide passage for bees between the
outside
environment 114 and the hive opening 102a. In the example illustrated and in
the
configuration of Figures 1A and 3, the second bee pathway 118 permits passage
of
bees through the body 104 in a second pathway direction 120 generally toward
the rear
side 104a of the body 104. In the example illustrated and in the configuration
of Figures
1A and 3, the second bee pathway 118 serves as a hive entrance.
[0086] In the example illustrated, the body 104 includes a pathway header
123
providing communication between the first bee pathway 112 and the hive opening
102a
and between the second bee pathway 118 and the hive opening 102a, when the
body is
mounted to the hive 102. In the example illustrated, the second bee pathway
118 is
separate from the first bee pathway 112. In the example illustrated, the
second bee
pathway 118 is spaced vertically apart from the first bee pathway 112. In the
example
illustrated, the second bee pathway 118 is above the first bee pathway 112.
[0087] In the example illustrated, the body 104 includes first and second
openings 122, 124. The first opening 122 is open to the outside environment
114 when
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the body 104 is mounted to the hive 102. The second opening 124 is open to the

outside environment when the body 104 is mounted to the hive 102 and when the
system 100 is in the configuration of Figures 1A and 3. The body 104 further
includes a
third opening 126 open to the hive opening 102a when the body 104 is mounted
to the
hive 102. In the example illustrated, the first and second openings 122, 124
are
provided on the front side 104b of the body 104, and the third opening 126 is
provided
on the rear side 104a of the body 104. The first bee pathway 112 extends into
the body
104 from the first opening 122 and is in communication with the third opening
126. The
second bee pathway 118 extends into the body 104 from the second opening 124
and
is in communication with the third opening 126. The second opening 124 is
separate
from the first opening 122. In the example illustrated, the second opening 124
is above
the first opening 122. In the example illustrated, the pathway header 123
provides
communication between the first bee pathway 112 and the third opening 126, and

between the second bee pathway 118 and the third opening 126.
[0088] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 3, in the example illustrated,
the body
104 includes a set of installation posts 125 (Figure 3) insertable into the
hive opening
102a for positioning the third opening 126 of the body 104 over the hive
opening 102a
during installation, and a set of mounting brackets 127 (Figure 1A) for
mounting the
body 104 to the hive 102.
[0089] In the example illustrated, the body 104 includes an external
landing board
128 in communication with the second bee pathway 118 for attracting bees to
enter the
hive 102 via the second bee pathway 118, when the system 100 is in the
configuration
of Figures 1A and 3. In the example illustrated and in the configuration of
Figures 1A
and 3, the second opening 124 is open to the landing board 128. The landing
board 128
can include distinct visual markings 129 (Figures 1A to 2) to guide bees
toward the
second opening 124 for entering the hive 102 via the second bee pathway 118,
when
the system 100 is in the configuration of Figures 1A and 3.
[0090] Referring to Figures 3 and 4A, the system 100 includes an automatic

inoculum dispenser 130 mounted in the body 104 for controllably dispensing an
inoculum 132 into the first bee pathway 112, to dust bees passing through the
first bee
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pathway 112 with the inoculum. The bees can be dusted in the first bee pathway
112 by
moving through inoculum previously dispensed into the first pathway 112 (e.g.,
walking
through inoculum resting on a floor of the first pathway 112). Alternatively
or in addition,
the bees can be dusted in the first bee pathway 112 through inoculum falling
onto bees
moving through the pathway 112 under the dispenser 130. In some examples, the
inoculum can include a powdered plant treatment agent, for delivery to a
target plant by
the bees as they forage. In some examples, the inoculum can include a powdered
bee
or hive treatment agent, for delivery into the hive.
[0091] In the example illustrated, the first pathway 112 is defined by a
first
pathway floor 112a, a first pathway ceiling 112b above the first pathway floor
112a, and
a pair of spaced apart first pathway sidewalls 112c, 112d extending between
the first
pathway floor and ceiling 112a, 112b. In the example illustrated, the
dispenser 130 is
operable to dispense the inoculum onto a target area 134 of the first pathway
floor
112a. In the example illustrated, the dispenser 130 is operable to drop the
inoculum
onto the target area 134. In the example illustrated, bees moving along the
first pathway
floor 112a, for example, as the bees are exiting the hive to go foraging, walk
through the
target area 134, so that inoculum dispensed into the target area 134 may be
picked up
by and cling to the bees, for delivery to, for example, a target plant when
the bees
pollinate the target plant.
[0092] In the example illustrated, the first pathway ceiling 112b is
spaced
vertically apart (along the vertical axis 106, in the example illustrated)
from the first
pathway floor 112a by a ceiling height 140 (Figure 3). The ceiling height 140
is selected
to encourage bees to walk along the first pathway 112 through the target area
134 to
facilitate inoculation of the bees with the inoculum. For example, the ceiling
height 140
can be selected to discourage bees from flying through the first bee pathway
112.
[0093] In the example illustrated, the first pathway sidewalls 112c, 112d
are
spaced apart by a pathway width 142 (Figure 4A) at the target area 134. In the
example
illustrated, the pathway width 142 is generally parallel to the horizontal
second axis 110.
The target area 134 can extend over at least 75% of the first pathway width
142 to
facilitate inoculation of bees moving through the first bee pathway 112. In
the example
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illustrated, the target area 134 extends over generally an entirety of the
first pathway
width 142.
[0094] In the example illustrated, the body 104 includes a frame 144 and a

slidably removable tray 146 mounted to the frame 144 below the dispenser 130
(see
also Figure 2). In the example illustrated, the target area 134 of the first
pathway floor
112a is provided on an upper surface of the tray 146. This can facilitate, for
example,
removal, cleaning, and/or inspection of portions of the first pathway floor
112a. In the
example illustrated, the tray 146 is slidable along the horizontal first axis
108, and is
removable from and reinsertable into the frame 144 from the front side 104b of
the body
104.
[0095] In the example illustrated, the system 100 includes a removable
inoculum
cartridge 150 for installation in the body 104 to provide the inoculum to the
dispenser
130. The cartridge includes a cartridge chamber 154 for storing the inoculum.
In the
example illustrated, the dispenser 130 is in communication with the cartridge
chamber
154 when the cartridge 150 is installed. The dispenser 130 is operable to
controllably
dispense the inoculum from the cartridge chamber 154 into the first bee
pathway 112
when the cartridge 150 is installed, to dust bees in the first bee pathway 112
with the
inoculum.
[0096] In the example illustrated, the inoculum passes through an inoculum

passage 136 between the cartridge chamber 154 and the first bee pathway 112.
In the
example illustrated, the dispenser 130 controls flow of the inoculum through
the
inoculum passage 136. The inoculum passage 136 has a passage first end 136a
open
to the cartridge chamber 154 and a passage second end 136b open to the first
bee
pathway 112. In the example illustrated, the passage second end 136b is open
to the
first pathway ceiling 112b. The inoculum passage 136 can extend over at least
75% of
the pathway width 142. In the example illustrated the inoculum passage 136
extends
over an entirety of the pathway width 142.
[0097] In the example illustrated, the dispenser 130 includes a dispensing

element 186. The dispensing element 186 blocks the inoculum passage 136 for
controlling flow of the inoculum through the inoculum passage 136. In the
example
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illustrated, the dispensing element 186 is within the inoculum passage 136
intermediate
the passage first and second ends 136a, 136b.
[0098] In the example illustrated, the dispensing element 186 is movable
between at least one first position for receiving inoculum from the cartridge
chamber
154 and at least one second position for depositing the received inoculum into
the first
bee pathway 112. Referring to Figures 8 to 10, in the example illustrated, the
dispensing
element 186 is movable between the first and second position by an electric
motor 188
mounted in the body 104, and the dispensing element 186 includes a rotor 187
driven
by the electric motor 188. In the example illustrated, the rotor includes a
plurality of rotor
grooves 190 for receiving the inoculum when in communication with the
cartridge
chamber 154. The inoculum is released from the grooves 190 into the first bee
pathway
112 during rotation of the rotor 187.
[0099] The motor 188 and the rotor 187 can in some examples be removable
from the housing. This can allow for removal, cleaning, and/or inspection of
the motor
188 and the rotor 187.
[00100] Referring again to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, the
cartridge
chamber 154 is sized to store a cartridge chamber volume of the inoculum. The
inoculum passage 136 has an inoculum passage volume 138 (also referred to as a

reservoir volume 138) intermediate the dispensing element 186 and the
cartridge
chamber 154. In the example illustrated, the reservoir volume 138 is less than
the
chamber volume to facilitate retention of at least some inoculum in the
cartridge
chamber 154 when the cartridge 150 is installed. This may help to, for
example,
maintain freshness of the inoculum.
[00101] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the cartridge 150 includes a casing
152
defining the cartridge chamber 154. In the example illustrated, the cartridge
casing 152
extends along a longitudinal cartridge axis 158. When the cartridge 150 is
installed in
the body 104, the cartridge axis 158 is generally parallel with the horizontal
second axis
110 of the body 104. In the example illustrated, the cartridge chamber 154 has
a
cartridge chamber length 164 extending along the cartridge axis 158. When the
cartridge 150 is installed, the cartridge chamber length 164 can extend over
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75% of the pathway width 142. In the example illustrated, the cartridge
chamber length
164 extends over generally an entirety of the first pathway width 142 when the
cartridge
is installed. This can facilitate generally uniform distribution of the
inoculum across the
first bee pathway 112.
[00102] The cartridge 150 further includes a cartridge port 156 in the
casing 152.
The cartridge port 156 is in communication with the cartridge chamber 154 for
permitting passage of the inoculum out from the cartridge chamber 154. The
inoculum
passage second end is open to chamber 154 via the cartridge port 156.
[00103] In the example illustrated, the cartridge port 156 has a port
length 165
extending along the cartridge axis 158. The port length 165 is generally equal
to the
cartridge chamber length 164. In the example illustrated, the cartridge port
156 has a
port width 166 (Figure 6) that is generally constant along the port length
165.
[00104] Referring to Figure 7, prior to installation in the body 104, the
cartridge
150 includes a releasable seal 160 sealing the cartridge port 156 (and the
cartridge
chamber 154) to prevent dispensing (release) of the inoculum prior to
installation of the
cartridge 150. In the example illustrated, the seal 160 includes a seal layer
162 attached
to the casing 152 over the cartridge port 156. In the example illustrated, the
seal 160
further includes a seal tab 163 fixed to and extending from the seal layer 162
for
permitting a user to grasp and peel the seal 160 apart from the cartridge 150
to open
the cartridge port 156 during installation. The seal layer 162 can include,
for example, a
metal foil heat sealed to the casing 152 over the cartridge port 156.
[00105] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in the example illustrated, the
cartridge
casing 152 includes a cartridge top wall 170 opposite the cartridge port 156,
and a
cartridge sidewall 172 extending from the top wall 170 to the cartridge port
156. The
cartridge top wall 170 and the cartridge sidewall 172 enclose the cartridge
chamber
154. In the example illustrated, the cartridge sidewall 172 includes laterally
spaced apart
first and second cartridge sidewall portions 172a, 172b extending along the
cartridge
axis 158 between axially spaced apart third and fourth cartridge sidewall
portions 172c,
172d of the sidewall 172. At least one of the first and second cartridge
sidewall portions
172a, 172b can include a tapered inner surface 174 tapering laterally inwardly
from the
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cartridge top wall 170 to the cartridge port 156 for directing the inoculum in
the cartridge
chamber 154 toward the cartridge port 156 when the cartridge 150 is installed.
In the
example illustrated, each of the first and second cartridge sidewall portions
172a, 172b
include a respective tapered inner surface 174. In the example illustrated,
the cartridge
port 156 is bounded laterally by the first and second cartridge sidewall
portions 172a,
172b, and axially by the third and fourth cartridge sidewall portions 172c,
172b. In the
example illustrated, the sidewall 172 includes a top edge 176 adjacent the top
wall 170
and a bottom edge 178 opposite the top edge 176. The bottom edge 178 of the
cartridge sidewall 172 circumscribes the cartridge port 156.
[00106] Referring to Figure 7, in the example illustrated, the cartridge
casing 152
includes at least one intermediate wall 180 axially intermediate the third and
fourth
cartridge sidewall portions 172c, 172d. The intermediate wall 180 separates
the
cartridge chamber 154 into a plurality of axially spaced apart chamber
portions. This
may facilitate uniform distribution of the inoculum within the cartridge
chamber 154
along the cartridge port length 165. In the example illustrated, the casing
152 includes
one intermediate wall 180 that separates the cartridge chamber into a chamber
first
portion 154a and an axially spaced apart chamber second portion 154b.
[00107] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, the body 104 includes an
inoculum
housing 202 mountable to the frame 144. The housing 202 is slidable into the
frame 144
along the horizontal first axis 108 from the front side 104b of the body 104
to mount the
housing 202 to the frame 144. Referring to Figures 8 to 10, in the example
illustrated,
the dispenser 130 is mounted in the inoculum housing 202.
[00108] In the example illustrated, the body 104 includes a receptacle 204
for
receiving the inoculum cartridge 150. The cartridge 150 is seated within the
receptacle
204 when installed. In the example illustrated, the receptacle 204 is provided
in the
inoculum housing 202. The receptacle 204 is positioned above the first bee
pathway
112 when the housing 202 is mounted to the frame 144. In the example
illustrated, the
receptacle 204 is in communication with the dispenser 130. In the example
illustrated,
the receptacle 204 has an upper volume 204a (Figure 9) in which the cartridge
150 is
seated when installed, and a lower volume 204b (Figure 9) below the upper
volume
22

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204a. In the example illustrated, the inoculum passage 136 includes the lower
volume
204b of the receptacle 204.
[00109] In the example illustrated, the inoculum housing 202 includes a
receptacle
opening 206 in communication with the receptacle 204. The cartridge 150 is
horizontally
slidable into the receptacle 204 through the receptacle opening 206 for
installation and
removal of the cartridge 150 when the body 104 is mounted to the hive 102.
[00110] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, in the example illustrated, the
inoculum
housing 202 is reconfigurably mountable to the frame 144 in either one of a
left-side
configuration (Figure 4A) and a right-side configuration (Figure 4B). When the
housing
202 is mounted in the left-side configuration, the receptacle opening 206 is
accessible
from the left side 104c of the body 104 to permit installation and removal of
the cartridge
150 from the left side 104c of the body 104 when the body 104 is mounted to
the hive
102. When the housing 202 is mounted in the right-side configuration, the
receptacle
opening 206 is accessible from the right side 104d of the body 104 to permit
installation
and removal of the cartridge 150 from the right side 104d of the body 104 when
the
body 104 is mounted to the hive 102. This may facilitate more convenient
installation
and replacement of cartridges in hive systems in which access to one of the
left-side
and the right-side of the body is obstructed, such as, for example, hive
systems in which
inoculation systems are mounted side-by-side in close proximity.
[00111] In the example illustrated, the housing 202 can be reconfigured
from one
to the other of the left-side configuration and the right-side configuration
by sliding the
housing 202 along the horizontal first axis 108 out from the frame 144 from
the front
side 104b of the body 104, rotating the housing 180 degrees about a housing
axis
parallel to the vertical axis 106, and sliding the housing 202 back into the
frame 144
along the horizontal first axis 108 from the front side 104b of the body 104.
[00112] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in the example illustrated, the
inoculum
housing 202 includes a housing bottom wall 208, a housing top wall 210
opposite the
housing bottom wall 208, and a housing sidewall 212 extending between the
housing
bottom and top walls 208, 210. In the example illustrated, the receptacle
opening 206 is
provided in the housing sidewall 212. In the example illustrated, the first
pathway ceiling
23

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112b is fixed relative to the housing 202. In the example illustrated, the
first pathway
ceiling 112b includes a bottom surface of the housing bottom wall 208. In the
example
illustrated, the inoculum passage 136 extends through the housing bottom wall
208. In
the example illustrated, the housing top wall 210 serves as the landing board
128.
[00113] In the example illustrated, the housing sidewall 212 includes a
first
sidewall outer surface 212a, a second sidewall outer surface 212b opposite the
first
sidewall outer surface 212a, and opposed third and fourth sidewall outer
surfaces 212c,
212d extending between the first and second sidewall outer surfaces 212a,
212b. The
first and second sidewall outer surfaces 212a, 212b are spaced apart along the

horizontal first axis 108 when the housing 202 is mounted to the frame 144,
and the
third and fourth sidewall outer surfaces 212c, 212d are spaced apart along the

horizontal second axis 110 when the housing 202 is mounted to the frame 144.
In the
example illustrated, the receptacle opening 206 is provided in the third
sidewall outer
surface 212c.
[00114] One or more portions of the housing sidewall 212 can be removable
(e.g.
the portion including sidewall outer surface 212d), in order to allow for
removal of or
access to motor 188 and/or rotor 187,
[00115] Referring to Figures 3 and 4A, in the example illustrated, when the

housing 202 is mounted to the frame 144 in the left-side configuration, the
first sidewall
outer surface 212a is directed toward the rear side 104a of the body 104, the
second
sidewall outer surface 212b is directed toward the front side 104b of the body
104, the
third sidewall outer surface 212c is directed toward the left side 104c of the
body 104,
and the fourth sidewall outer surface 212d is directed toward the right side
104d of the
body 104. Referring to Figure 4B, in the example illustrated, when the housing
202 is
mounted to the frame 144 in the right-side configuration, the first sidewall
outer surface
212a is directed toward the front side 104b of the body 104, the second
sidewall outer
surface 212b is directed toward the rear side 104a of the body 104, the third
sidewall
outer surface 212c is directed toward the right side 104d of the body 104, and
the fourth
sidewall outer surface 212d is directed toward the left side 104c of the body
104.
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[00116] In the example illustrated, the second bee pathway 118 is defined
by a
second pathway floor 118a, a second pathway ceiling 118b above the second
pathway
floor 118a, and a pair of spaced apart second pathway sidewalls 118c, 118d
extending
between the second pathway floor and ceiling 118a, 118b. In the example
illustrated,
the second pathway floor 118a is fixed relative to the housing 202. When the
housing
202 is mounted to the frame 144 in the left-side configuration, the second
pathway floor
118a includes the first sidewall outer surface 212a. When the housing 202 is
mounted
to the frame 144 in the right-side configuration, the second pathway floor
118a includes
the second sidewall outer surface 212b.
[00117] Referring to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, the housing top
wall 210
has an outer surface first portion 210a adjacent the first sidewall outer
surface 212a,
and an outer surface second portion 210b adjacent the second sidewall outer
surface
212b. When the housing 202 is mounted in the left-side configuration, the
second
pathway floor 118a includes the outer surface first portion 210a of the
housing top wall
210. In the example illustrated, the outer surface second portion 210b of the
housing top
wall serves as an exterior landing surface of the landing board 128 when the
housing
202 is mounted in the left-side configuration. When the housing 202 is mounted
in the
right-side configuration, the second pathway floor 118a includes the outer
surface
second portion 210b of the housing top wall 210. In the example illustrated,
the outer
surface first portion 210a serves as the exterior landing surface of the
landing board 128
when the housing 202 is mounted in the right-side configuration.
[00118] Referring still to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, the frame
144
includes a base 216 and a frame upper portion 218 supported by the base 216.
The
frame upper portion 218 overhangs at least a portion of the housing 202 when
the
housing is mounted to the frame 144. In the example illustrated, the second
pathway
ceiling 118b and sidewalls 118c, 118d are fixed to the frame upper portion
218.
[00119] In the examples illustrated, the inoculum housing 202 is supported
on the
base 216 when mounted to the frame 144. At least a portion of the base 216 is
below
the housing 202 when the housing 202 is mounted. In the example illustrated,
the tray

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146 is slidably mounted to the base 216. In the example illustrated, the first
pathway
sidewalls 112c, 112d are fixed relative to the base 216.
[00120] Referring to Figures 1B and 2, in the example illustrated, the
system 100
includes a blocking member 220 movable between an unblocked configuration
(Figure
1A) and a blocked configuration (Figure 1B). Referring to Figure 1A, when the
blocking
member 220 is in the unblocked configuration, the blocking member 220 is clear
of the
second bee pathway 118 to permit passage of bees through the second bee
pathway
118. When the blocking member 220 is in the unblocked configuration, the
second bee
pathway 118 serves as the hive entrance for the hive 102, and the first bee
pathway
112 serves as the hive exit for the hive 102 to facilitate inoculation of bees
exiting the
hive 102 (e.g. so that the bees can deliver an inoculum to a target plant).
[00121] The blocking member 220 can, for example, be moved from the
unblocked
to the blocked configuration by screwing or snapping the blocking member to
the body
104.
[00122] Referring to Figure 1B, in the example illustrated, when the
blocking
member 220 is in the blocked configuration, the blocking member 220 obstructs
the
second bee pathway 118 to block passage of bees through the second bee pathway

118 and compel bees to use the first bee pathway 112 to enter the hive 102.
When the
blocking member 220 is in the blocked configuration, the first bee pathway 112
serves
as both the hive exit and the hive entrance for the hive 102, to facilitate
inoculation of
bees entering the hive 102 (e.g. so that the bees can deliver an inoculum to
the hive). In
the example illustrated, the blocking member 220 covers the second opening 124
in the
body 104 when in the blocked configuration. The blocking member 220 is clear
of the
second opening 124 when in the unblocked configuration.
[00123] Referring to Figure 11, in the example illustrated, the system
includes a
controller 230 for controlling operation of the dispenser 130. The controller
can include
at least one computer processor, and one or more communication interfaces for
providing communication between the processor and other system components.
[00124] In the example illustrated, the controller is operable to transmit
a trigger
signal. In the example illustrated, the dispenser 130 is in communication with
the
26

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controller 230 for receiving the trigger signal. The dispenser 130 is operable
to dispense
an amount of the inoculum into the first bee pathway 112 in response to
receiving the
trigger signal from the controller 230 to dust bees passing through the first
bee pathway
112 with the inoculum. In the example illustrated, the controller 230 is
housed in a
controller compartment 231 (Figure 2) in the frame upper portion 218.
[00125] In the example illustrated, the controller 230 is operable to
transmit the
trigger signal to the dispenser 130 according to, for example, a dispensing
schedule.
The dispensing schedule can include, for example, time intervals at which to
transmit
the trigger signal to the dispenser 130. This can provide for periodic
dispensing of the
inoculum into the first pathway, and can facilitate more efficient use of
inoculum and
operation of the system. The dispensing schedule can alternatively or in
addition include
a daily time-period during which to transmit the trigger signal to the
dispenser 130. The
dispensing schedule can be stored on, for example, computer-readable memory
232 in
communication with the controller 230.
[00126] In the example illustrated, the system further includes a cartridge
sensor
234 in communication with the controller 230 for detecting installation of the
inoculum
cartridge 150 in the receptacle 204. In the example illustrated, the
controller 230 is
operable to transmit the trigger signal to the dispenser 130 according to the
dispensing
schedule in response to the cartridge sensor 234 detecting installation of the
cartridge
150. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in the example illustrated, the cartridge
sensor 234
includes a switch 236 that is actuated when the cartridge 150 is installed in
the
receptacle 204. In the example illustrated, the switch includes a push button
switch
mounted to an internal surface of the receptacle 204 opposite the receptacle
opening
206.
[00127] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, in the example illustrated, the
cartridge 150
includes an actuator 238 mounted to the casing 152 for activating operation of
the
dispenser 130 when the cartridge 150 is installed. In the example illustrated,
the
actuator 238 activates the switch 236 of the cartridge sensor 234 when the
cartridge
150 is installed in the receptacle 204. In the example illustrated, the
actuator 238
includes a protuberance 240 on an outer surface of the casing 152. The
protuberance
27

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240 protrudes from an axial endface of the casing 152, and in the example
illustrated,
the protuberance 240 engages the switch 236 of the cartridge sensor 234 to
activate the
switch 236 when the cartridge 150 is installed in the receptacle 204 (see
Figure 4A).
[00128] Referring to Figure 4A, in the example illustrated, the cartridge
150
includes a catch 242 (see also Figure 7) fixed to the casing 152 for
engagement with an
engagement surface 244 (see also Figure 10) fixed to the housing 202 when the
cartridge 150 is installed. Engagement between the catch 242 and the
engagement
surface 244 can maintain the cartridge 150 in an installed position, and can
maintain
engagement between the protuberance 240 and the switch 236 of the cartridge
sensor
234 when the cartridge 150 is installed.
[00129] In some examples, the cartridge sensor 234 can be operable to
identify a
cartridge characteristic of the cartridge 150, and the controller 230 can be
operable to
select the dispensing schedule from a plurality of predefined dispensing
schedules
based on the cartridge characteristic. In some examples, the cartridge
characteristic can
correspond to a type of inoculum stored in the cartridge 150 and/or a
configuration of
components of the cartridge 150, such as, for example, the relative position
and/or type
of actuator 238.
[00130] For example, the system can include a cartridge sensor having a
plurality
of switches, with each switch corresponding to a distinct dispensing schedule.
The
cartridge actuator of a first cartridge can be configured to activate a first
switch of the
plurality of switches when the first cartridge is installed. The first switch
can correspond
to a first dispensing schedule specific to a first inoculum stored in the
first cartridge. The
first inoculum may include, for example, a plant treatment agent.
[00131] The controller can be operable to transmit the trigger signal
according to
the first dispensing schedule. The first dispensing schedule may include, for
example, a
first daily time-period during which to dispense the first inoculum. The first
daily time-
period may begin at dawn and end at dusk (also referred to as a "dawn to dusk"

dispensing schedule). This may, for example, facilitate inoculation of bees
leaving the
hive, so that the bees may transport the plant treatment agent to a crop.
28

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[00132] The cartridge actuator of a second cartridge can be configured to
activate
a second switch of the plurality of switches when the second cartridge is
installed. The
second switch can correspond to a second dispensing schedule specific to a
second
inoculum stored in the second cartridge. The second inoculum can be different
from the
first inoculum. The second inoculum may include, for example, a bee or hive
treatment
agent. An example of a bee treatment agent includes a miticide such as
veromite.
[00133] The controller can be operable to transmit the trigger signal
according to
the second dispensing schedule when the second switch is activated. The second

dispensing schedule may include, for example, a second daily time-period
during which
to dispense the second inoculum. The second daily time-period can be different
from
the first daily time-period, and can, for example, begin at high noon and end
at dusk (i.e.
afternoon to early evening, also referred to as a "late day" dispensing
schedule). This
may, for example, facilitate inoculation of bees returning to the hive and may
help inhibit
spread of mites within the hive.
[00134] In some examples, the dispensing schedules may vary based on
environmental factors, such as, for example, daylight intensity. Referring to
Figure 11,
the system can include an optional daylight sensor 246 for sensing an
intensity of
daylight, and the controller 230 can be operable to transmit the trigger
signal to the
dispenser 130 in response to the daylight sensor sensing a predefined
intensity of
daylight. The predefined intensity of daylight can correspond to, for example,
the
intensity of daylight at dawn and/or the intensity of daylight at dusk.
[00135] Referring still to Figure 11, in the example illustrated, the
system 100
includes a power storage unit 248 for supplying power to components of the
system
100, such as, for example, the controller 230 and/or the dispenser 130. The
power
storage unit 248 can include at least one battery 250 (see Figure 3). In the
example
illustrated, the battery 250 is housed in a battery compartment 252 in the
frame upper
portion 218. In the example illustrated, the system 100 further includes a
solar power
generator 254 for charging the power storage unit 248. The solar power
generator 254
can include a plurality of solar cells in communication with the battery 250.
29

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[00136] Referring to Figure 12, a method 300 for operating the system 100
is
shown. At 310, the cartridge 150 is installed in the system 100 to provide
inoculum to
the dispenser 130. Prior to installation of the cartridge 150, the cartridge
seal 160 is
released. In the example illustrated, the cartridge seal 160 can be released
prior to
insertion of the cartridge 150 into the receptacle 204 by peeling the seal
layer 162 apart
from the casing 152. In some examples, a seal release member may be provided
in or
adjacent the receptacle 204 for releasing (e.g., peeling, tearing, or cutting)
the seal layer
162 during insertion of the cartridge 150 into the receptacle 204.
[00137] Installation of the cartridge 150 actuates the switch 236, which
signals to
the controller 230 that the cartridge has been installed. At 320, the
controller 230
transmits a trigger signal to the dispenser 130.
[00138] In some examples, prior to transmitting the trigger signal, the
controller
can select a dispensing schedule from a plurality of predefined dispensing
schedules.
The dispensing schedule can be selected based on a characteristic of the
installed
cartridge 150. For example, if the inoculum in the installed cartridge
contains a plant
treatment agent, a "dawn to dusk" dispensing schedule can be selected, so that
the
inoculum is dispensed as the bees leave the hive (as discussed above, such
cartridges
can have a cartridge actuator that is configured to activate a first switch of
the cartridge
sensor, which signals to the controller to dispense according to a first
dispensing
schedule). Alternatively, if the inoculum in the installed cartridge is a hive
treatment
agent, a "late day" dispensing schedule can be selected, so that the inoculum
is
dispensed as the bees enter the hive (as discussed above, such cartridges can
have a
cartridge actuator that is configured to activate a second switch of the
cartridge sensor,
which signals to the controller to dispense according to a second dispensing
schedule).
[00139] After the dispensing schedule is selected, the trigger signal can
be
transmitted during step 320 according to the dispensing schedule. In some
examples,
the trigger signal is transmitted at time intervals set by the dispensing
schedule. The
time intervals can be, for example, 30 seconds or more. In some examples, the
time
intervals are at least 1 minute. In some examples, the time intervals are
between 1
minute and 5 minutes. In some examples, the time intervals are about 90
seconds, so

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that an amount of the inoculum is dispensed every 90 seconds. In some
examples, the
trigger signal can be transmitted during a daily time period set by the
dispensing
schedule, and/or the trigger signal can be transmitted based on environmental
factors
defined by the dispensing schedule, such as, for example, a predefined
intensity of
daylight.
[00140] At 330, the dispenser dispenses an amount of the inoculum into the
bee
pathway 112 in response to receiving the trigger signal to dust bees passing
through the
bee pathway with the inoculum. The cartridge chamber 154 can be sized to store
an
amount of inoculum for approximately two weeks of dispensing according to the
dispensing schedule. After the inoculum is depleted from the cartridge chamber
154, the
depleted cartridge 150 can be removed from the receptacle 204, and another
cartridge
150 storing inoculum can be installed in the receptacle 204 for further
dispensing of the
inoculum. The depleted cartridge 150 can be discarded, or returned to a
suitable facility
for recycling and/or refilling and resealing for subsequent use.
[00141] Referring to Figure 13, a method 400 for inoculating honey bees
passing
through the system 100 is shown. At 410, a first inoculum is dispensed into
the first bee
pathway 112, e.g. from a first cartridge, to dust bees exiting the hive via
the first bee
pathway 112 with the first inoculum. During dispensing of the first inoculum,
the second
bee pathway 118 is unblocked and serves as a hive entrance. The first inoculum
can
include, for example, a plant treatment agent, such as that described in US
Patent No.
9,380,777. The first inoculum can be dispensed at step 410 during a daily
first time-
period set by a first dispensing schedule. The daily first time-period can
begin at dawn
and end at dusk as determined by, for example, a daylight sensor. Step 410 can
occur,
for example, during pollination season (e.g. during the summer). This can
facilitate
inoculation of bees leaving the hive in the morning, and transmittal of the
plant
treatment agent from the bees to plants with which the inoculated bees
interact.
[00142] At 420, the second bee pathway 118 is blocked to compel bees to use
the
first bee pathway 112 to enter the hive 102. This may optionally be done
manually, for
example, by a beekeeper affixing the blocking member 220 to the frame 144 over
the
second opening 124 to obstruct the second bee pathway 118. At this time, the
first
31

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cartridge may be removed from the system, and a second cartridge containing a
second
inoculum may be inserted.
[00143] At 430, the second inoculum is dispensed into the first bee pathway
112
when the second bee pathway 118 is blocked to inoculate bees entering the hive
via the
first bee pathway 112 with the second inoculum. The second inoculum is
different from
the first inoculum. The second inoculum can include, for example, a bee or
hive
treatment agent, such as a miticide. The second inoculum can be dispensed at
step 430
during a second daily time-period set by a second dispensing schedule
different from
the first dispensing schedule (as discussed above, the second cartridge can
activate a
second switch of the cartridge sensor, which signals to the controller to
dispense
according to the second dispensing schedule). The second daily time-period can
begin
in the afternoon (i.e. a "late day" dispensing schedule), as determined by a
daylight
sensor. Steps 420 and 430 can occur, for example, outside of pollination
season (e.g.
during spring and fall). This can facilitate inoculation of bees returning to
the hive in the
evening and to inhibit spread of, for example, mites within the hive 102.
[00144] Referring to Figure 14, another inoculation system 1100 for a bee
hive is
illustrated schematically. The system 1100 has similarities to the system 100,
and like
features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by 1000.
[00145] In the example illustrated, the system 1100 is adjustable for
installation in
either one of a first bee hive 1102 having a first hive opening 1102a of a
first opening
width 1102b (Figure 17A), and a second bee hive 1103 having a second hive
opening
1103a of a second opening width 1103b different from the first opening width
1102b
(Figure 17B).
[00146] In the example illustrated, the system 1100 includes a body 1104
having a
frame 1144 and a pair of adjustable installation posts 1125a, 1125b mounted to
and
protruding from a rear side 1145 of the frame 1144 (see also Figure 16).
Referring to
Figure 16, the posts 1125a, 1125b are spaced laterally apart from one another
by a
lateral post spacing 1256. In the example illustrated, the post spacing 1256
is adjustable
for accommodating insertion of the installation posts 1125a, 1125b into a
respective one
32

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of the first hive opening 1102b and the second hive opening 1103b to mount the
body
1104 to the one of the first bee hive 1102 and the second bee hive 1103.
[00147] Referring to Figure 14, in the example illustrated, a bee pathway
1112 is
provided in the body 1104 laterally intermediate the first and second
installation posts
1125a, 1125b to provide passage for bees between an outside environment 1114
and a
respective one of the first hive opening 1102b and the second hive opening
1103b when
the body 1104 is mounted to the one of the first bee hive 1102 and the second
bee hive
1103. In the example illustrated, an inoculum dispenser 1130 is mounted in the
body
1104. The dispenser 1130 is operable to dispense an inoculum into the bee
pathway
1112 to dust bees passing through the bee pathway 1112 with the inoculum.
[00148] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, in the example illustrated, the
frame 1144
includes a left-side frame portion 1144a supporting a left one of the
installation posts
(1125a), and a right-side frame portion 1144b adjustably coupled to the left-
side frame
portion 1144a and supporting a right one of the installation posts (1125b).
The left-side
and right-side portions 1144a, 1144b of the frame 1144 are laterally slidable
relative to
one another for adjusting the lateral post spacing 1256.
[00149] Referring to Figure 14, in the example illustrated, the system 1100

includes a first mount 1258 attached to the rear side 1145 of the frame 1144
above the
posts 1125a, 1125b, and a second mount 1260 attachable to an exterior of the
first bee
hive 1102 (or the second bee hive 1103). When the second mount 1260 is
attached to
the first bee hive 1102, the second mount 1260 is engageable with the first
mount 1258
to removably mount the body 1104 to the first bee hive 1102. In the example
illustrated,
the first mount 1258 includes a hook and the second mount 1260 includes a
catch for
holding the hook when attached to the first bee hive 1102. This can facilitate
more
convenient detachment of the body 1104 from the bee hive by not necessarily
requiring
removal of fasteners.
[00150] Referring to Figure 18, an example of another inoculum housing 2202
for
use with an inoculation system like the system 100 is illustrated
schematically. The
housing 2202 has similarities to the housing 202, and like features are
identified with
like reference characters, incremented by 2000.
33

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[00151] In the example illustrated, the housing 2202 includes a receptacle
2204 for
receiving an inoculum cartridge, and a lid 2262 movable between an open
position
(shown in Figure 18) for providing access to the receptacle 2204 to install
(load) and
remove (unload) the cartridge, and a closed position for covering the
receptacle 2204
and the cartridge when loaded in the receptacle 2204. In the example
illustrated, the
receptacle 2204 includes a receptacle opening 2206 for inserting the cartridge
into the
receptacle 2204. In the example illustrated, the receptacle opening 2206 is
provided in a
housing top wall 2210 of the housing 2202, and the lid 2262 covers the
receptacle
opening 2206 when in the closed position.
[00152] Referring to Figure 19, another inoculation system 3100 for a bee
hive is
illustrated schematically. The system 3100 has similarities to the system 100,
and like
features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by 3000.
[00153] In the example illustrated, the system 3100 includes a body 3104
mountable to the hive intermediate a hive opening and an outside environment
3114
external the hive. A first bee pathway 3112 is in the body 3104 for providing
passage for
bees between the hive opening and the outside environment when the body 3104
is
mounted to the hive. The system 3100 further includes an inoculum dispenser
3130 in
the body 3104. The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense inoculum
into the first
bee pathway 3112 to dust bees passing through the first bee pathway 3112 with
the
inoculum.
[00154] In the example illustrated, the system 3100 further includes a
removable
inoculum cartridge 3150 for installation in the body 3104. The cartridge 3150
includes
an internal cartridge chamber 3154 storing inoculum for providing to the
dispenser
3130, and a releasable seal layer 3162 sealing the cartridge chamber 3154 to
prevent
release of the inoculum prior to installation of the cartridge 3150.
[00155] In the example illustrated, the system 3100 further includes a
receptacle
3204 in the body and in communication with the dispenser 3130 for receiving
the
cartridge 3150. In the example illustrated, the system 3100 includes a seal
release
member 3264 in the body 3104 for engagement with the seal layer 3162 (see also

Figures 19A and 19B) during insertion of the cartridge 3150 into the
receptacle 3204 to
34

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release the seal layer 3162 for providing the inoculum from the cartridge
chamber 3154
to the dispenser 3130.
[00156] In the example illustrated, the receptacle 3204 includes a
receptacle
opening 3206 for inserting the cartridge 3150 into the receptacle 3204. In the
example
illustrated, the seal release member 3264 is fixed adjacent the receptacle
opening 3206.
In the example illustrated, the seal release member 3264 comprises a serrated
edge
extending across the receptacle opening 3206.
[00157] In the example illustrated, the receptacle opening 3206 is open to
a front
sidewall outer surface 3212a of the body 3104 directed away from the hive when
the
body 3104 is mounted to the hive. In the example illustrated, the cartridge
3150 is
slidable into the receptacle 3204 along a horizontal first axis 3108 from a
front side
3104b of the body 3104 to load the cartridge 3150 in the body 3104 (see also
Figures
19A and 19B).
[00158] In the example illustrated, the system 3100 includes a cartridge
loader
3266 slidably received in the receptacle 3204. The cartridge loader 3266 is
slidable
along the horizontal first axis 3108 between a loading position (Figures 19
and 19A) for
receiving the cartridge 3150, and a dispensing position (Figure 19B) in which
the
cartridge 3150 is loaded in the receptacle 3204 for providing the inoculum to
the
dispenser 3130.
[00159] Referring to Figure 19, in the example illustrated, the cartridge
loader
3266 has a loader top surface 3268, a loader bottom wall 3270 below the loader
top
surface 3268, and a loader sidewall 3272 extending between the loader top
surface and
the loader bottom wall. The loader 3266 further includes a loader chamber 3274
open to
the loader top surface 3268 for receiving the cartridge 3150. The loader
chamber 3274
extends between the top surface 3268 and the loader bottom wall 3270. The
loader
3266 further includes a bottom wall opening 3276 in the loader bottom wall
3270 for
permitting dispensing of the inoculum from the cartridge 3150 to the dispenser
3130.
The loader bottom wall 3270 includes a ledge 3278 circumscribing the bottom
wall
opening 3276 for supporting the cartridge 3150 in the loader chamber 3274.

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[00160] Referring to Figure 19A, in the example illustrated, the seal
release
member 3264 is fixed to the body 3104 and protrudes upwardly through the
bottom wall
opening 3276 and into the loader chamber 3274 for engagement with the seal
layer
3162 of the cartridge 3150 when the cartridge 3150 is seated in the loader
chamber
3274. In the example illustrated, the seal release member 3264 pierces through
the seal
layer 3162 of the cartridge 3150 when the cartridge 3150 is seated in the
loader
chamber 3274.
[00161] Referring to Figure 19, in operation, the loader 3266 is moved to
the
loading position, and the cartridge 3150 is inserted into the loader chamber
3274.
Referring to Figure 19A, during insertion of the cartridge 3150, the seal
layer 3162 is
impaled on the seal release member 3264. When the cartridge 3150 is in the
loader
chamber 3274 and the seal layer 3162 is impaled, the loader 3266 is moved from
the
loading position to the dispensing position. Referring to Figure 19B, during
movement
toward the dispensing position, the seal release member 3264 is in engagement
with
and peels the seal layer 3162. As the seal layer 3162 is peeled, inoculum is
released
from the cartridge chamber 3154 and provided to the dispenser 3130.
[00162] Referring to Figure 20, another inoculation system 4100 for a bee
hive is
illustrated schematically. The system 4100 has similarities to the system 100,
and like
features are identified using like reference characters, incremented by 4000.
[00163] In the example illustrated, the system 4100 includes a body 4104
mountable to the bee hive intermediate a hive opening and an outside
environment
external the hive. A bee pathway 4112 is in the body 4104 for providing
passage for
bees between the hive opening and an outside environment when the body 4104 is

mounted to the hive. An inoculum dispenser 4130 is mounted in the body 4104,
and is
operable to controllably dispense inoculum into the bee pathway 4112 to dust
bees
passing through the bee pathway 4112 with the inoculum.
[00164] In the example illustrated, the system 1100 includes a controller
4230 for
controlling operation of the dispenser 4130 according to one or more operating

parameters. The operating parameters can include, for example, a state of the
dispenser 4130 (e.g. an on/off state), a rate at which to operate the
dispenser 4130, a
36

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time interval for operating the dispenser 4130, and/or an amount of inoculum
for the
dispenser 4130 to dispense. The operating parameters can be stored on, for
example,
computer-readable memory 4232 in communication with the controller 4230.
[00165] In the example illustrated, the controller 4230 is operable to
detect a
modification event and to modify the one or more operating parameters in
response to
detecting the modification event.
[00166] In some examples, the system 4100 can include a communication unit
4280 operable to communicate with the controller 4230. The communication unit
4280
can include a wireless communication unit. In some examples, the modification
event
can include receipt by the controller 4230 of a modification command from the
communication unit 4280. The modification command can comprise a modification
to
one or more operating parameters. This can help allow for a user to, for
example,
control operation of the dispenser 4130 by sending modification commands from
a local
or remote computer in communication with the communication unit 4280.
[00167] In some examples, the controller 4230 can be operable to detect the

modification event by: receiving at least one environment signal
representative of one or
more environmental states, and determining that a modification condition is
satisfied
based on the one or more environmental states. The environmental states can
include
at least one of, for example, an intensity of daylight; a temperature of at
least one of the
outside environment, the bee pathway 4112, and an interior of the bee hive; a
time of
day; a humidity of the outside environment; a precipitation characteristic of
the outside
environment; an amount of inoculum remaining in the bee pathway 4112; motion
of
bees in the bee pathway 4112; a rate of bees passing through the bee pathway
4112;
installation of an inoculum cartridge in the body 4104; a cartridge
characteristic of the
inoculum cartridge, etc.
[00168] In such examples, the controller 4230 can be operable to, in
response to
determining that the modification condition is satisfied, modify the one or
more operating
parameters to correspond to target parameters associated with the
environmental
states. This can facilitate automatic modification and optimization of the
operating
parameters based on, for example, changes in environmental states in and
around the
37

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system 4100. For example, the modification condition can specify one or more
environmental requirements for the controller to modify the operating
parameters. The
modification condition can, for example, require that an outside temperature
reach a
temperature threshold, a daylight intensity reach a daylight intensity
threshold, and an
inoculum cartridge is installed. The target parameters can specify, for
example, how the
controller is to modify the operating parameters once these environmental
requirements
are satisfied. The target parameters can be stored on, for example, the
computer-
readable memory 4232. Once the controller determines that this modification
condition
is satisfied, the controller can, for example, modify the state of the
dispenser 4130 from
an off state to an on state to initiate operation of the dispenser 4130, and
to modify the
time intervals for operating the dispenser 4130 to dispense inoculum more
frequently.
[00169] In some examples, the operating parameters can include one of an on

state of the dispenser 4130 and an off state of the dispenser 4130, and the
target
parameters can include the other one of the on state and the off state. In
some
examples, the operating parameters can include a first rate at which to
operate the
dispenser 4130, and the target parameters can include a second rate at which
to
operate the dispenser 4130, with the second rate being different from the
first rate. In
some examples, the operating parameters can include a first time interval for
operating
the dispenser 4130 to periodically dispense the inoculum into the bee pathway,
and the
target parameters can include a second time interval for operating the
dispenser 4130,
with the second time interval being different from the first time interval. In
some
examples, the operating parameters can include a first amount of inoculum for
the
dispenser to dispense 4130, and the target parameters can include a second
amount of
inoculum for the dispenser 4130 to dispense, with the second amount being
different
from the first amount.
[00170] In some examples, the system 4100 includes at least one environment

sensor 4282 for sensing one or more of the environmental states and generating
the at
least one environment signal. The at least one environment sensor 4282 can
include,
for example, a daylight sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a
precipitation
sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an actuator, a switch, a motion
sensor, a
38

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weight sensor, a sound sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a
camera, an
RFID reader, and/or any other sensors suitable for sensing the environmental
states.
[00171] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include a
time-
of-day signal representative of a time of day, and the controller 4230 can be
operable to
determine whether the modification condition is satisfied based on the time of
day. In
some examples, the system 4100 includes a clock for monitoring the time of day
and
generating the time-of-day signal.
[00172] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one daylight intensity signal representative of an intensity of daylight
of the outside
environment, and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the
modification condition is satisfied based on the intensity of daylight. In
some examples,
the system 4100 includes at least one daylight sensor for measuring the
intensity of
daylight and generating the daylight intensity signal.
[00173] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one temperature signal representative of a temperature of at least one
of the
outside environment, the bee pathway 4112, and an interior of the bee hive,
and the
controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the modification
condition is
satisfied based on the temperature. In some examples, the system 4100 can
include at
least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature and generating the
temperature signal.
[00174] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one humidity signal representative of a humidity of the outside
environment, and
the controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the modification
condition is
satisfied based on the humidity. In some examples, the system 4100 can include
at
least one humidity sensor for measuring the humidity and generating the
humidity
signal.
[00175] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one precipitation signal representative of a precipitation
characteristic in the
outside environment, and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine
whether the
modification condition is satisfied based on the precipitation characteristic.
In some
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examples, the system 4100 can include a precipitation sensor for measuring the

precipitation characteristic and generating the precipitation signal.
[00176] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one remaining inoculum signal representative of a remaining amount of
inoculum
in the bee pathway 4112, and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine
whether
the modification condition is satisfied based on the remaining amount of
inoculum. In
some examples, the system 4100 can include a remaining inoculum sensor for
measuring the remaining inoculum in the bee pathway 4112 and generating the
remaining inoculum signal.
[00177] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one motion signal representative of a motion of bees in the bee pathway,
and the
controller can be operable to determine whether the modification condition is
satisfied
based on the motion of bees. In some examples, the system includes a motion
sensor
for sensing the motion of bees in the bee pathway and generating the motion
signal.
[00178] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one bee rate signal representative of a rate of bees passing through the
bee
pathway 4112, and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the

modification condition is satisfied based on the rate of bees. In some
examples, the
system 4100 can include a bee rate sensor for measuring the rate of bees
passing
through the bee pathway 4112 and generating the rate signal.
[00179] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one cartridge installation signal representative of installation of an
inoculum
cartridge in the body 4104 for providing the inoculum to the dispenser 4130,
and the
controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the modification
condition is
satisfied based on whether the cartridge is installed. In some examples, the
system
4100 can include a cartridge installation sensor for detecting installation of
the cartridge
and generating the cartridge installation signal.
[00180] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include
at
least one cartridge characteristic signal representative of a cartridge
characteristic of a
cartridge installed in the body 4104 for providing the inoculum to the
dispenser 4130,

CA 03045721 2019-05-31
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and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the modification
condition
is satisfied based on the cartridge characteristic. In some examples, the
system 4100
can include a cartridge characteristic sensor for sensing the cartridge
characteristic and
generating the cartridge characteristic signal.
[00181] In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include a
hive
size signal representative of a size of the bee hive, and the controller 4230
can be
operable to determine whether the modification condition is satisfied based on
the hive
size. In some examples, the at least one environment signal can include a bee
quantity
signal representative of a quantity of bees expected to inhabit the hive, and
the
controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the modification
condition is
satisfied based on the quantity of bees. In some examples, the at least one
environment
signal can include a bee type signal representative of a type of bee expected
to inhabit
the bee hive, and the controller 4230 can be operable to determine whether the

modification condition is satisfied based on the bee type. Such examples may
facilitate
modification of operating parameters (e.g. frequency of dispensing or amount
dispensed) when the body 4104 is moved from a first hive to a second hive
having
different characteristics from the first hive. The hive characteristics may be
indicated
using, for example, RFID tags.
[00182] In some examples, the system can include a positioning unit
operable to
determine a location of the bee hive.
[00183] In some examples, the system can include a power supply unit 4284
for
supplying power to the system. The power supply unit 4284 can include a power
storage unit and a solar power generator for charging the power storage unit.
[00184] Referring to Figure 21, a method 4500 for controlling operation of
the
inoculation system 4100 is shown. At step 4510, inoculum is provided to the
dispenser
4130. At step 4520, operation of the dispenser 4130 is controlled according to
one or
more operating parameters to dispense the inoculum into the bee pathway 4112.
At
step 4530, the one or more operating parameters are modified in response to
detecting
a modification event. At step 4540, operation of the dispenser 4130 is
controlled
according to one or more modified operating parameters.
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[00185] In some examples, detecting the modification event includes:
receiving at
least one environment signal representative of one or more environmental
states, and
determining that a modification condition is satisfied based on the one or
more
environmental states. In such examples, at step 4530, the operating parameters
can be
modified to correspond to target parameters associated with the environmental
states.
[00186] In some examples, the modification event can include receiving a
modification command from a communication unit, and the modification command
can
include a modification to the operating parameters.
[00187] Referring to Figure 22, another example inoculation system 5100 for
a bee
yard is illustrated. The system 5100 has similarities to the system 4100, and
like
features are identified with like reference characters, incremented by 1000.
[00188] In the example illustrated, the bee yard includes a first hive 5102
having a
first hive opening, and a second hive 5103 having a second hive opening. In
the
example illustrated, the system 5100 includes a first body 5104 mounted to the
first hive
5102 intermediate the first hive opening and an outside environment 5114
external the
first and second hives 5102, 5103. A first hive bee pathway 5112 is in the
first body
5104 for providing passage for bees between the first hive opening of the
first hive and
the outside environment 5114 when the first body 5104 is mounted to the first
hive
5102. A first inoculum dispenser 5130 is mounted in the first body 5104. The
first
inoculum dispenser 5130 is operable to controllably dispense a first inoculum
into the
first hive bee pathway 5112 to dust bees passing through the first hive bee
pathway
5112 with the first inoculum.
[00189] In the example illustrated, the system 5100 further includes a
second body
5604 mounted to the second hive 5103 intermediate the second hive opening and
the
outside environment 5114. The second body 5604 is similar to the first body
5104. A
second hive bee pathway 5612 is in the second body 5604 for providing passage
for
bees between the second hive opening and the outside environment 5114 when the

second body 5604 is mounted to the second hive 5103. A second inoculum
dispenser
5630 is mounted in the second body 5604. The second inoculum dispenser 5630 is

similar to the first inoculum dispenser 5130. The second inoculum dispenser
5630 is
42

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operable to controllably dispense a second inoculum into the second hive bee
pathway
5612 to dust bees passing through the second hive bee pathway 5612 with the
second
inoculum.
[00190] In the example illustrated, the system 5100 further includes a
central
controller 5230 for controlling operation of the first inoculum dispenser 5130
according
to a first set of operating parameters, and for controlling the second
inoculum dispenser
5630 according to a second set of operating parameters.
[00191] In some examples, the controller 5230 is operable to detect a first

modification event and to modify the first set of operating parameters in
response to
detecting the first modification event. In some examples, the controller is
operable to
detect a second modification event and to modify the second set of operating
parameters in response to detecting the second modification event.
[00192] The examples of the systems and methods described herein may be
implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. These examples
may
be implemented in, for example, computer programs executing on programmable
computers, and each computer may include at least one processor, a data
storage
system (including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, other data storage
elements,
and/or a combination thereof), and one or more communication interfaces.
43

Representative Drawing